(Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th) Fifteen graduates from the 2000 cohort of Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Bachelor of Education program (Primary Education) recently gathered at Nur Wanita Restaurant to celebrate 25 years since embarking on their teaching careers. The attendees, now serving across Brunei as principals, vice principals, mathematics teaching advisors, senior teachers, and school board chairs, reunited in an atmosphere of warmth and emotion.
During the gathering, old classmates reminisced about the past, recalling the details of their internships, the nerves and excitement of stepping onto the podium for the first time, and the students who continually inspired them on their educational journeys. Although they now occupy various positions in their professions, that evening, everyone set aside their titles, and the scene was filled with the familiarity and innocence of classmates reuniting.
Lou Shi Yun, Chairperson of Hong Hua School, shared that she entered the classroom years ago full of hope, and though she did not have a clear direction for the future, she was always keenly aware of the responsibility of nurturing students’ growth. After many years, this original aspiration in education remains unchanged, and everyone is still willing to give their all for the sake of their students’ futures.
Ziwadut, Principal of Danau Primary School, also expressed similar sentiments. He said that although many now serve in school leadership positions, the educator’s original intention remains, constantly reminding them of their mission to teach and nurture.
During the reunion, classmates also discussed the evolution of the educational environment—from hand-written lesson plans to today’s digital teaching platforms, from focusing on a single classroom to managing entire schools. What hasn’t changed is the passion for education that has supported them through every challenge: care, attentiveness, and trust for their students.
The event concluded with a group photo, hugs, and the exchange of souvenirs. The group has already agreed to plan their next reunion. For the 2000 cohort graduates of UBD’s Bachelor of Education program, this occasion was not only a celebration of a career milestone, but also a reflection on their original educational ideals, a moment of pride for their flourishing students, and a cherished continuation of their lasting friendship.